Adaptable roof system

ABSTRACT

There is set forth a retractable roof system of a specified arrangement including a first elongated track and a second elongated track, and a beam extending between the first elongated track and the second elongated track. The beam is described as supporting a cover. There is also set forth apparatus for moving the beam in relation to the first elongated track and the second elongated track.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/887,446, filed Jul. 9, 2004, now U.S. Patent Publication No.2006/0005473 entitled “ADAPTABLE ROOF SYSTEM” incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The advantages of fabric retractable roofs relative to solid elementretractable roofs are: small mass to be moved, variability of applicableroof shapes, adaptability to existing facilities, and low cost(especially where snow/ice melting and tight weather seals are not anissue). Yet fabric retractable roofs (other than automobile convertibletops and shade awnings) are not commonly used. The reason is to be foundin the complexity of the proposed systems, principally with respect tofabric handling and transport means.

The object of this invention is to provide a simple fabric transportmeans having no inherent fabric wear inducing characteristics. Thesimplicity of the preferred embodiments not only makes the inventionapplicable to covering a wide range of facilities, but in some instancesoffers portability (ease of dismantle/move/reassemble).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is set forth a retractable roof system of a specified arrangementincluding a first elongated track and a second elongated track, and abeam extending between the first elongated track and the secondelongated track. The beam is described as supporting a cover. There isalso set forth apparatus for moving the beam in relation to the firstelongated track and the second elongated track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The features described herein can be better understood with reference tothe drawings described below. The drawings are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principlesof the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicatelike parts throughout the various views.

FIG. 1 shows the principle components of a fabric retractable roof in afrontal aspect of its simplest “one-sided” embodiment with horizontalbeams.

FIG. 2 shows the beam position angle error used by the servo controlsystem.

FIG. 3 shows an inner platform truck with its principle components, in afrontal aspect with cutaway of the platform and attached fixed beam.

FIG. 4 shows an inner platform truck with its principle components, in aside aspect with cutaway of the platform and attached fixed beam.

FIG. 5A shows an outer platform truck with its principle components, ina side aspect with cutaway of the platform and attached translatablebeam.

FIG. 5B shows a fixed beam with rounded end, allowing for beam rotation,whose collars prevent translation.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the retractable roof control systemelements.

FIG. 7A shows a side view of a passive fabric lift means includingcables and block-and-tackle guide channel.

FIG. 7B shows a cutaway frontal view of the block-and-tackle and weightinside the guide channel.

FIG. 8 shows a frontal cutaway view of a “two-sided” retractable roofembodiment including sloped beams with internal platforms andcounterbalance weights.

FIG. 9 shows a frontal cutaway view of a “two-sided” retractable roofembodiment including sloped beams with external platforms and horizontalbeam supports.

FIG. 10 shows a frontal cutaway view of a “two-sided” retractable roofembodiment with horizontal beams and fabric cut slope.

FIG. 11 shows a frontal cutaway view of a retractable roof with deicingdrainage and chemical recycling system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A bang-bang servo system controls motors which provide drive for truckson each end of a fabric support beam structure. A plurality of suchtruck/beam/fabric units comprise a retractable roof Separation of innerand outer truck guiding tracks/support platforms may be wide andsomewhat variable. The radius of curvature of the inner and outer tracksmay vary widely over the beam excursion path between open and closedroof conditions. Individual beam motion sequencing and stop position arecommanded through a central control unit. These features allow greatflexibility and adaptability in application of this invention.

The movable roof is comprised of a plurality of facility-spanningmovable beams each supporting fabric sections. Transport is supplied bybeam end support trucks running on substantially parallel trackplatforms. The first preferred embodiment of this invention is a “onesided” configuration with substantially horizontal support beams. Theroof slope, required for rain or snow/ice melt runoff on one side, isbased on each fabric section cut for slope along its center fold seam.If required, runoff catching gutter means can be attached to theplatform support means beneath the lower fabric edge.

Each beam end support truck moves on rolling members, wheels or gliderollers, on a guide track. The truck drive means is an electric motorwhich either directly drives a wheel axle or, in the preferredembodiment (not relying on friction), drives a pinion gear linked to arack paralleling the guide track. Clamp assemblies attached to eachtruck connect to rolling members in near contact with the platformunderside. This is required to handle extraordinary situations, e.g.strong winds or system component failure where lift or twisting forcesattempt to separate the truck from its track. For each truck amotor-stop signaling means is located on its associated platformresulting in motor turnoff/braking at the desired intermediate or “roofclosed” positions. For widely separated platforms, spanning beams arecomprised of truss structures, and fabric sections are comprised ofoverlapping horizontal strip segments.

A servo system controlling the motors at both beam ends consists of: 1)an angle error signal sensor on either the inner or outer truckproviding an electrical signal to control circuitry, 2) controlcircuitry processing the error signal in order to provide errorcorrecting drive to the lagging motor, 3) electrical motors, necessaryelectrical cabling, cable handling means, 4) raw power conversioncircuitry, beam sequencing circuitry, and safety circuitry. Angle erroris measured with respect to the perpendicular between the beam and trackpath tangent.

While continuous (linear or nonlinear) error sensing is possible, theresulting servo control circuitry and power control circuitry arecomplex and costly. The preferred embodiment is a bang-bang servo systememploying angle error limit sensors and single phase AC gear-motors.Under bang-bang servo control, while accelerating and decelerating, theaverage velocity of each beam end is in proper ratio. That is,proportional to the local radius of curvature of the associatedplatform. Since at any instant either end of the beam may be leading theother, a means to accommodate small rotation of the beam-to-truckconnection is required. This is accomplished via a turret means on eachtruck base. Further, due to associated non-perpendicularity of the beamand track path tangent, a means is required to accommodate smalladditional beam length variation. To accomplish this, one beam end isconnected to its turret on a pin and bearings allowing only relativerotation of the beam about the pin in a vertical plane. The other beamend turret has an open channel member pinned to it also allowingrelative vertical plane rotation motion only. The associated beam endpasses through the open channel member and rides on low frictionbearings therein providing freedom of translational motion with respectto the turret. Angle error limit sensors measure turret to truck baserotational motion.

The individual beam servo system allows a wide range of roof shapes,from roof sections involving sharp platform turns (low radius ofcurvature) to parallel platform sections. Exotic shapes such as windingplatform path or arched platform path are possible. Certain platformtransitions may require that the translational motion beam end andbearing channel have a round profile so that the beam may rotatesomewhat about the beam axis relative to the turret. This is arequirement wherever significant loss of parallelism occurs between theplatforms. Additionally, some applications may require that both beamends be round where small beam rotation occurs relative to the trucks atboth ends. In these instances collars on the round fixed beam endstraddle the open channel preventing translation motion. The onlyoverall requirement is that the variation in distance between platformsbe small. Further simplification accrues from the fact that thebang-bang servo allows the same gear motor and rack-and-pinion to beused throughout. It is possible to configure paths where the twobeam-end platforms are at different levels. The consequence of this,however, is that a component of beam/fabric weight can cause largeforces/torques on truck clamps and attachments. This is an applicationdesign consideration.

In some applications fabric drape in the region of the platforms (duringroof closing and opening) will contact physical obstructions in thefacility if allowed. Shortening the drape by lessening the width offabric sections is costly since additional beam assemblies are required.To avoid this a fabric raising means is required. In the preferredembodiment a vertical channel is connected to the beam where the fabricedge is to be raised. The channel length is somewhat greater than onequarter the fabric section width. Two lifting cables are used. One endof each cable is connected to the edge of the fabric at a distance ofone quarter the fabric section width from the beams on each side. Eachcable length is approximately three eighths the fabric section width. Inone fabric lifting embodiment, a small motor with cable store pulley andratchet, attached at the top of the vertical channel, is used tomaintain cable tension. This motor is essentially run in blocked rotormode between ratchet steps with sufficient torque to lift the fabricportion weight. In reverse, the ratchet is released and the fabric islowered by virtue of the beam motion pulling against the cable. When thebeam reaches the desired stop position on the platform the fabriclifting motor is de-energized. In the preferred passive (motor-less)embodiment, a small block-and-tackle means with a two-to-one lift ratiois attached at the top inside of each vertical channel. In each channelthe associated lifting cable is threaded through the fixed top pulley,around the movable pulley and connected to the fixed block. A second setof cables are connected, one each, near the ends of the beams on eachside of the fabric section. The length of each of these cables issomewhat larger than the associated fabric section width. For each ofthese cables a small block-and-tackle means with a four-to-one liftratio is ganged to the two-to-one block-and-tackle attached at the topinside of the vertical channel. Each cable is threaded through a fixedtop pulley, around a movable pulley, through the second fixed toppulley, around the second movable pulley and connected to the fixedblock. The movable pulley block is connected to a weight sufficient tolift two times the sum of the weights of the fabric to be lifted plusthe lifting cable and four times its beam connected cable weight. Themovable pulley block and weight move inside the guiding verticalchannel. Since the two block-and-tackle are ganged, the beam motioncontrol cable mediates travel of the fabric lifting cable. For fabriclifting configurations fabric fold-enhancing seams, in addition to anormal center seam, are desirable.

Whether opening or closing a roof section, the associated beams aresequenced for motion by the central system controller circuitry in beamorder 1 through N, where N is the beam closest to the non-moving end ofthe roof section. Partial closure is easily accomplished by stopping themotor drives at any point. By eliminating non-moving ends (i.e. beam Nis the last beam in the section) selected portions of the open area maybe covered. For each beam, a truck on one beam end contains a positionsensor which detects position based on position indicators spaced alongthe platform. The central system controller communicates with theindividual beam servo control circuits. Each servo control circuit mayeither be located with the central system controller or on itsassociated beam. Electrical cabling distribution means will varyaccording to location of control circuits. The central system controllerwill shut down all motor drives when any individual motor drive“over-current” condition is sensed or a manual shutdown is initiated.

A second preferred embodiment of this invention is an arched root or“two sided” configuration where roof slope is provided by arched beamstructure. In one version of this embodiment truck-mounted shorthorizontal beams support an arched beam structure to which roof fabricis connected. These short support beams are inside the arch span. Truckand support beam operation is the same as with the one sidedconfiguration. This two sided embodiment, however, requires largecounterbalance weights suspended from the arch ends to prevent largeapplied torques to the truck clamps. In an alternate embodiment longsupport beams are located outside the arch upper span allowing the archlower span, below the support beams, to supply the counterbalanceweight. With either two sided embodiment, round beam ends are requiredat both ends to allow for small beam rotation. In addition use of fabriclifting means, previously described, is required with a vertical channellocated at each arch peak so that the fabric peak is lifted during roofopening. As with the one sided configuration, need for lower edge fabriclifting is application dependent.

A third preferred embodiment of this invention combines features of thefirst and second embodiments. It provides a two sided roof slope fromthe peak by virtue of fabric cut such that only horizontal beams arerequired. Again, fabric lifting means at the roof peak near thehorizontal beam center are required.

While it is envisioned that the majority of the applications of thisinvention will be in geographical regions and seasons where ice and snoware not a concern, it nevertheless must be addressed. Shielding most ofthe system components from ice and snow is either straightforward or notessential, however, this is not the case for the fabric cover. Two meansare considered: one electro-thermal and the second chemo-thermal. Theelectro-thermal embodiment uses resistance heating wire embedded in thefabric outer layer. Conventional AC power used for the system in generalis used to power the resistance heating wiring. The chemo-thermalembodiment uses a deicing fluid. From a storage means the fluid ispumped, via tubing attached to the power cabling, to each beam along thelength of which the fluid is sprayed onto the adjacent fabric. The fluidand melt are captured in a runoff gutter means and fed to a fluidseparation means whence the fluid is returned to the storage tank. Forfacilities which are not weather sealed, use of heated air on the fabricunderside can not be considered as an ice/snow melting solution.However, partial sealing (not hermetic) can be achieved with fabricpanels attached using zippers or hook-and-loop fasteners.

In FIG. 1 a “one sided” embodiment of a fabric retractable roof wherebydrainage is from one side of the roof is shown with its principlecomponents. Each beam 2 of a set of essentially horizontal beams, issupported at both ends by electric-motor driven trucks 1. The material(wood, metal, plastic, etc.) and form (rectangular, I, T, channel,truss, etc.) of the beams are application dependant. The trucks ride onplatforms, which for discussion purposes are called “inner” 4 and“outer” 5 normally based on platform radius of curvature, whoseseparation is essentially constant. Over the total length of a roofcoverage area some platform sections may be parallel (infinite radius ofcurvature) or change their relative curvatures so that “inner” and“outer” becomes a label only. Fabric sections 3 are cut in width basedon spacing between adjacent beams when the roof is closed. The cut issuch that drainage be on one side and normally a center seam will guidefolding. Attaching the fabric sections to the beam underside may beaccomplished by one of numerous fabric retention methods. Fabricsections between beams need not be one-piece, but may consist ofoverlapping strips. These strips may be connected, if desired, usingzippers or hook-and-loop fasteners. The fabric material may be anystate-of-the-art type chosen for strength-to-weight ratio and waterproof properties, e.g. Teflon-coated fiberglass.

Control of truck motors for each beam so that the beam ends stayessentially perpendicular to the path-tangent is a key element of thisinvention. The method is based on measuring the beam deviation anglefrom perpendicular as shown in FIG. 2. Here, the inner platform 4 has aradius 8 and the outer platform 5 has a radius 9. When small error anglelimits, 6 and 7 (exaggerated here but typically under one degree), aredetected between truck I on the inner platform and the correspondingouter platform truck, a bang-bang servo control system causes theleading truck motor to de-energize. For the outer platform truck, if thebeam motion is right-to-left then 6 represents a lead angle error limitwhile for left-to-right motion 7 represents lead angle error limit.While small time-scale accelerations and decelerations are occurring theaverage velocity for the beam ends will be correct.

An example truck embodiment associated with an inner platform is shownin FIG. 3. The beam end 2 is connected to the top of the truck on a pin-and bearing assembly 15 which can rotate in a vertical plane. Thisallows for small unintentional or intentional non-coplaner alignment ofthe inner and outer platforms. Large non-coplaner alignment of theplatforms is not recommended since unbalanced side forces are introducedon the pin and hence truck. The beam attachment assembly rests on arotatable turret bearing 14 which has the angle error detector unit 16attached to its side. The detector will typically consist of switches(electro-mechanical, electro-optical, etc.) while the associated errorlimit sending unit is fixed mounted to the top of the truck base 10beneath the detector. The truck base contains a drive motor and linkage.An AC gear motor is recommended for system simplicity. The preferredlinkage is a pinion gear 11 with associated rack assembly (shown in FIG.4 as 18) attached to the platform. In addition, the preferredroller/guide-path embodiment is glide-rollers 13 in a track 12. FIG. 4also shows a beam position detector unit 19 attached to the bottom ofthe truck base while the associated position sending unit is fixedmounted on the top of the platform. Since high winds or system failurescould cause sudden lifting of twisting forces on the truck, clampingmeans 17 are necessary.

The result of small beam angle error is a requirement for beam lengthsomewhat greater than the platform separation related perpendiculardistance. Further, since this error varies continually then dynamicallyvariable beam length must be accommodated. The preferred solution isshown in the outer platform truck assembly of FIG. 5A. Here the beam 2has a round end 21 which passes through a collar channel and bearing 20allowing the beam length to adapt to the angle error. The round beam endand collar has the additional role of allowing rotation of the beam endabout its axis, necessary during unintentional or intentional transitionin platform levels. The collar channel and bearing assembly is connectedto a pin and bearing assembly 15 similar to the inner platform truck.These complement each other allowing small beam motion in a verticalplane. The remainder of the outer platform truck is the same as theinner platform truck, however angle error detection and beam positiondetection are not necessary. In certain applications where torsionalforces on the entire beam can occur, such as the “two-sided” roofembodiments discussed later, it is necessary that both beam ends beround and rotatable. However, since the inner platform beam end shouldnot be translatable, collars 45 shown in FIG. 5B are required to befixed to the round end 21 and straddle the collar channel and bearing20. This prevents beam translation while permitting beam rotation at theinner platform truck.

Regarding the retractable roof as a system broadens the scope of systemcomponents to include control functions. These are summarized in theblock diagram of FIG. 6. The System Control Unit incorporates circuitryperforming system operator interface for manually selected coveragearea, manual startup, status display, manual overrides, automatic beamsequencing on startup of roof closure or opening and emergency shutdownbased on motor overload. The System Control Unit is connected to eachbeam Servo Control Unit which receives functional commands, handles beamposition and angle error sensor signals for motor control, and feedsback status data. Physically, the Servo Control Units can be co-locatedwith the System Control Unit or located on the individual beam trucks.This decision is application dependent. Flexible electrical cable meansconnect on-beam to off-beam circuitry and between beams if required. InFIG. 6 it is assumed that sensors are located on the inner platformtruck which is consistent with earlier assumptions.

As implied in FIG. 1 a significant cable drape can occur when theretractable roof is being opened. The potential exists in certainapplications for undesirable contact between fabric and objects insidethe facility. To prevent this contact the fabric must be lifted. Thepreferred embodiment of the fabric lifting method is shown in FIG. 7Awhere, in this case, the lower edge of the fabric 3 is to be lifted. Thefabric lift connection point 46 is approximately one-quarter the widthof the fabric at the lift edge or line measured from the closest beamattachment point. A vertical channel 22 whose height is somewhat greaterthan one-quarter the width of the fabric to be lifted is attached to thebeam at a position nearest to the fabric lift point. In this roof closedposition a cable 24, whose exposed length is approximately three-eighthsthe width of the fabric to be lifted, has one end attached to the fabriclift point and the other connected to a two-to-one block-and-tackle atthe top 23 of the vertical channel. A second cable 25 has one endconnected to the beam near the opposite end of the fabric section andthe other end connected to a four-to-one block-and-tackle also at thetop of the vertical channel. FIG. 7B, a cutaway view I-I from FIG. 7A,shows that the two block-and-tackle are ganged together. The cable 24 isfed around its fixed block 26 pulley, through the movable block 27pulley and up to the fixed block. The cable 25 is fed around its firstfixed block 29 pulley, through the first movable block 30 pulley, up andaround the second fixed block pulley, through the second movable blockpulley, and up to the fixed block. In the closed roof position shown,the movable block is at its top position. Based on the mechanicaladvantage of the two ganged block-and-tackle the lifting weight 31 mustbe somewhat in excess of twice the weight of the fabric to be liftedplus cable 24, plus four times the weight of cable 25. Because of theganged configuration cable 25 will mediate the motion of the weight andhence the fabric. As shown in FIG. 7A, identical lifting components areestablished at the adjacent beam. The result is that throughout openingand closing of the roof the cable drape stays nominally constant. Tofacilitate folding from the lift points, additional seams in the fabricare desirable.

Where roof symmetry and drainage from two sides is desired, there arethree basic preferred “two sided” embodiments. The first is shown in thecross-section view of FIG. 8. Beams 2 provide the roof slope fordrainage from the fabric 3. Because of the roof peak, folding of thefabric in the open roof condition requires lifting of the peak fabricsection 43. This is accomplished using the lifting means previouslydescribed with vertical channel 22, block-and-tackle 23, and liftingcable 24 shown. Fabric section 43 overlaps the sections on each sidebelow and is not attached to them. Additional use of lifting means nearthe fabric edges is application dependent This beam structureconfiguration has a high center-of-gravity relative to the pivoting beamends supported on the trucks, if not properly compensated. Lowering thecenter-of-gravity for stability is accomplished with suspended weights44. An alternate sloped beam roof is shown in the cross-section view ofFIG. 9. In this second “two sided” embodiment the sloping beams 2themselves provide the stable center-of-gravity based on horizontalsupport beams 2 connected at a relatively high point on the slopedbeams. The third “two sided” embodiment is shown in the cross-sectionview of FIG. 10. In this embodiment the support beam 2 is horizontal sothat drainage is based on the cut of the fabric 3, as with the “onesided” embodiment. Here, as with all “two sided” embodiments, a roofpeak fabric section 43 lifting means is required.

While it is expected that the vast majority of applications of thisinvention will not require operation where snow and ice conditionsexist, there are means to enable such operation. One such embodiment isshown in FIG. 11 where a “one sided” roof example is used. Here theice/snow melting means is chemical in the form of circulating deicingsolution. The solution, held in reservoir 38, is sent via pump 39through fixed pipe 40 and flexible pipe 41 to fluid distribution pipe 42on the beam 2. Flexible pipe 41 basically follows the same path as theelectrical cables to beam 2. Fluid distribution pipe 41 straddles thebeam and supplies a continuous spray flow of deicing fluid to the fabricvia holes in the side of the pipe. Collection of all runoff is made bygutters 33 and sent by pipes 34 to water/deicer separation processor 36.Separation processing will used established means (evaporation, specificgravity, etc.) based on the specific deicing fluid. Separated deicer issent via pump 37 back to reservoir 38, while separated water is sent tothe gravity drain 36. An alternate snow/ice melting means useselectrical resistance wire embedded in the fabric. Wire heating power isthe standard AC power used by the roof electrical system. Runoff, inthis case, is water only. For the comfort and/or protection of people,animals and plants in the covered facility, means of formingnon-hermetic closure between the roof fabric and support walls/columns32 is possible using zippers or hook-and-loop fasteners. With suchclosure, internal facility air heating may be achieved providing a thirdmeans of roof snow/ice melting. Platform covering is provided by shieldmeans 48.

Various systems, methods and apparatuses are described herein including:

(A) A retractable fabric roof system based on: a plurality of facilityspanning substantially horizontal beams of fixed span length eachsupporting fabric sections which are cut to provide precipitation runoffslope on one side, each beam end supported by a truck which moves inguide rail means on a platform and powered by an electric motor locatedin the truck base, said truck motion controlled by a servo systemproviding proper average velocity according to the truck's local path,turrets located atop each truck base allowing for small rotationaldeviations of the associated beam from its ideal path where smallresulting linear deviation of span length is allowed via a round beamend slip-collar bearing assembly in one beam end turret, while smallroll motion of each beam is allowed by having both beam ends round andin roll bearings, and small beam tilt is allowed by a tilt bearing oneach turret.

There is also described herein (B) a central control circuitryproviding: beam power sequence-enabling at roof open/close startup; beammotion direction switching for open/close; beam motor off/brake enablingat selected travel limit; motor overcurrent shut-down; manualover-rides; a bang-bang servo system to control average velocity of eachbeam in (A), beam angle error being measured with respect to theperpendicular to the path tangent, for each beam angle error limitdetection being based on a switch activation at the turret/truck-baseinterface on one beam end, said switch activation causing motive powerto the leading truck motor to be removed while maintaining motive powerto the lagging truck motor, said motors being reversible single phase acgear motors with power controlled through solid state devices, withselected beam travel limit switch activation occurring at the associatedtruck base/platform interface.

There is also described herein (C) a fabric lift means to prevent fabricdrape during roof opening/closing resulting in interference with properfabric folding due to self-interference or contacting objects in thespanned facility, based on a vertical channel assembly whose height issomewhat in excess of one quarter the associated fabric section widthand which is attached to each beam near the fabric edge to be lifted,said channel containing a two-to-one block-and-tackle means attached tothe channel top whereby one end of a lifting cable is threaded throughthe pulleys and connected to the fixed block while the other cable endis attached to the associated fabric edge at a distance from the beam atapproximately one quarter the fabric width; said channel also containinga four-to-one block-and-tackle means whereby one end of a control cableis threaded through the pulleys and connected to the fixed block whilethe other cable end is attached to the associated adjacent beam end; thetwo block-and-tackle means being ganged together with a fabric and cablelifting weight suspended from the joint moveable block thereby allowingthe beam connected cable to control the motion of the fabric liftingcable.

There is also described herein (D) a retractable fabric roof using themeans of (A), (B), and (C) whose fabric supporting beams are arch shapedproviding liquid runoff on two sides, said arched beam extending overand beyond the truck support platform on each side and being stabilizedby counterbalancing weight symmetrically disposed on each side of thearch below the platform level, and whose roof peak fabric section usesthe lifting means of (C).

There is also described herein (E) a retractable fabric roof using themeans of (A), (B), and (C) whose fabric supporting beams are arch shapedproviding liquid runoff on two sides, said arched beam connected tohorizontal support beams connected high on the arch shaped beam sidesresulting in a stable weight distribution, said horizontal support beamsextending beyond the arched beam and connected to trucks in a mannersimilar to (A), and whose roof peak fabric section uses the liftingmeans of (C).

There is also described herein (F) a retractable fabric roof using themeans of (A), (B), and (C) using horizontal support beams similar to (A)but whose two sided liquid runoff is allowed by the fabric cut on eachside, and whose roof peak fabric section uses the lifting means of (C).

There is also described herein (G) a snow/ice melting capability in theform of either resistance heating wire embedded in the outer layer offabric sections where heating power is provided from the standard acsystem power, or a deicing fluid supply/recovery system consisting of:deicing fluid reservoir, pumps, plastic supply tubing flexibly connectedto the moving beams with the electrical cables, deicer spray linesconnected to the beam sides, plumbing to route all fluid from draingutter means to deicer recovery means and separated deicer back to thereservoir.

1. A retractable roof comprising: a set of first and second elongatedtracks, the second elongated track disposed adjacent to said firstelongated track, said second elongated track being spaced apart fromsaid first elongated track; a set of adjacently disposed beams includinga first beam, said retractable roof being adapted so that each beam ofsaid set of beams extends generally transversely between said firstelongated track and said second elongated track, the set of beamssupporting a flexible cover for covering an area below said cover; a setof trucks for supporting said first beam of said set of beams on saidfirst and second elongated tracks, the set of trucks including a firsttruck supporting a first beam end of said first beam on said firstelongated track and a second truck supporting a second beam end of saidfirst beam on said second elongated track; a motor assembly for movingsaid first beam along said set of tracks in a travelling direction, themotor assembly including a first motor disposed on said first truck formoving said first truck along said first elongated track, and a secondmotor disposed on said second truck for moving said second truck alongsaid second elongated track; wherein said retractable roof furthercomprises a motor control system for controlling a movement of saidfirst and second trucks along said set of elongated tracks, the motorcontrol system adapted to energize said first motor and said secondmotor so that said first beam supported by said first and second trucksis moved along said set of elongated tracks in a travelling direction,the retractable roof being operable in an operating state in which anenergization level of said first motor is different than an energizationlevel of said second motor.
 2. The retractable roof of claim 1, whereindisposed on said first truck is a linkage driven by said first motor. 3.The retractable roof of claim 1, wherein said first elongated tracksupports a rack assembly, and wherein said first truck includes a piniongear driven by said motor.
 4. The retractable roof of claim 1, whereinsaid retractable roof further includes a lifting apparatus, said liftingapparatus including a vertically extending member supporting a cableattached to said flexible cover, the vertical extending member extendingabove an elevation of said set of first and second elongated tracks. 5.The retractable roof of claim 1, wherein said retractable roof furthercomprises a fluid distribution pipe supported at a position above saidflexible cover, said fluid distribution pipe including holes, whereinsaid retractable roof is operable so that a spray fluid or deicing fluidis provided to said cover through said holes.
 6. A retractable roofcomprising: a set of first and second elongated tracks, the secondelongated track disposed adjacent to said first elongated track, saidsecond elongated track being spaced apart from said first elongatedtrack; a set of adjacently disposed beams including a first beam and asecond beam, said retractable roof being adapted so that each beam ofsaid set of beams extends generally transversely between said firstelongated track and said second elongated track, the set of adjacentlydisposed beams supporting a cover for covering an area below said cover;a first truck assembly for supporting said first beam of said set ofbeams on said first and second elongated tracks, the first truckassembly including a first truck supporting a first end of said firstbeam on said first elongated track and a second truck supporting asecond end of said first beam on said second elongated track; a secondtruck assembly for supporting said second beam of said set of beams onsaid first and second elongated tracks, the second truck assemblyincluding a first truck supporting a first end of said second beam onsaid first elongated track and a second truck supporting a second end ofsaid second beam on said second elongated track; a first motor assemblyfor moving said first beam along said set of tracks in a travellingdirection, the first motor assembly including a first motor disposed onsaid first truck of said first truck assembly for moving said firsttruck along said first elongated track, and a second motor for movingsaid second truck along said second elongated track; a second motorassembly for moving said second beam along said set of tracks in atravelling direction, the second motor assembly including a first motordisposed on said first truck of said second truck assembly for movingsaid first truck along said first elongated track, and a second motorfor moving said second truck along said second elongated track.
 7. Theretractable roof of claim 6, wherein said cover is a flexible cover andwherein said retractable roof further comprises a lifting apparatusincluding a vertically extending member supporting a cable attached tosaid flexible cover, the vertical extending member extending above anelevation of said set of first and second elongated tracks.
 8. Theretractable roof of claim 6, wherein said retractable roof furthercomprises a fluid distribution pipe supported at a position above saidcover, said fluid distribution pipe including holes, wherein saidretractable roof is operable so that a spray fluid or deicing fluid isprovided to said cover through said holes.
 9. A retractable roofcomprising: a set of first and second elongated tracks, the secondelongated track disposed adjacent to said first elongated track, saidsecond elongated track being spaced apart from said first elongatedtrack; a set of adjacently disposed beams including a first beam, saidretractable roof being adapted so that each beam of said set of beamsextends generally transversely between said first elongated track andsaid second elongated track, the set of beams supporting a flexiblecover for covering an area below said flexible cover; a set of trucksfor supporting said first beam of said set of beams on said first andsecond elongated tracks, the set of trucks including a first trucksupporting a first beam end of said first beam on said first elongatedtrack and a second truck supporting a second beam end of said first beamon said second elongated track; a motor assembly for moving said firstbeam along said set of tracks in a travelling direction, the motorassembly including a first motor for moving said first truck supportingsaid first beam end along said first elongated track, and a second motorfor moving said second truck supporting said second beam end along saidsecond elongated track; wherein said first truck includes apparatusenabling said first beam to move in a plurality of directions, theplurality of directions selected from a group of directions consistingof (a) linearly in a direction along said first elongated track, (b)rotationally about an axis extending vertically from said firstelongated track; (c) rotationally about an axis extending generally inparallel with said first elongated track, (d) rotationally about an axisof said first beam, and (e) linearly in a direction of said first beam;and wherein said retractable roof further comprises a motor controlsystem for controlling a movement of said first and second trucks alongsaid set of elongated tracks, the motor control system operable toenergize said first motor and said second motor so that said first beamsupported by said set of trucks is moved along said set of elongatedtracks in a travelling direction, wherein said motor control system isoperable to determine whether an error condition indicative of one ofsaid beam ends leading the other with reference to said travellingdirection by an undesired extent is satisfied, and wherein said motorcontrol system is further operable to adjust an energization level ofsaid motor control assembly if said error condition is satisfied. 10.The retractable roof of claim 9, wherein said roof is adapted so that anadjustment of said energization level includes increasing anenergization level of a motor for driving a lagging one of said beamends.
 11. The retractable roof of claim 9, wherein said apparatusenabling said first beam to move in said plurality of directions enabledsaid first beam to move in each of the directions of (a) linearly in adirection along said first elongated track, (b) rotationally about anaxis extending vertically from said first elongated track; (c)rotationally about an axis extending generally in parallel with saidfirst elongated track, (d) rotationally about an axis of said firstbeam, and (e) linearly in a direction of said first beam.
 12. Theretractable roof of claim 9, wherein said roof is adapted so that anadjustment of said energization level includes decreasing anenergization level of a motor for driving a leading one of said beamends.
 13. The retractable roof of claim 9, wherein said retractable rooffurther comprises a lifting apparatus including a vertically extendingmember supporting a cable attached to said flexible cover, the verticalextending member extending above an elevation of said set of first andsecond elongated tracks.
 14. The retractable roof of claim 9, whereinsaid each beam of said set of adjacently disposed beams includes anon-horizontal section sloped for encouraging drainage.
 15. Theretractable roof of claim 9, wherein said first truck includes aposition sensing unit for sensing a position of said first truck alongsaid first elongated track.
 16. The retractable roof of claim 9, whereinsaid first truck includes a pinion gear and rack assembly engaging saidfirst elongated track.
 17. The retractable roof of claim 9, wherein saidfirst motor is disposed on said first truck.
 18. The retractable roof ofclaim 9, wherein said retractable roof further comprises a fluiddistribution pipe supported at a position above said flexible cover,said fluid distribution pipe including holes, wherein said retractableroof is operable so that a spray fluid or deicing fluid is provided tosaid cover through said holes.
 19. A retractable roof comprising: a setof first and second elongated tracks, the second elongated trackdisposed adjacent to said first elongated track, said second elongatedtrack being spaced apart from said first elongated track; a set ofadjacently disposed beams including a first beam and a second beam, saidretractable roof being adapted so that each beam of said set of beamsextends generally transversely between said first elongated track tosaid second elongated track, the set of beams supporting a flexiblecover for covering an area below said flexible cover; a first truckassembly for supporting said first beam of said set of beams on saidfirst and second elongated tracks, the first truck assembly including afirst truck supporting a first end of said first beam on said firstelongated track and a second truck supporting a second end of said firstbeam on said second elongated track; a second truck assembly forsupporting said second beam of said set of beams on said first andsecond elongated tracks, the second truck assembly including a firsttruck supporting a first end of said second beam on said first elongatedtrack and a second truck supporting a second end of said second beam onsaid second elongated track; a first motor assembly for moving saidfirst beam along said set of tracks in a travelling direction, the motorassembly including a first motor for moving said first truck along saidfirst elongated track, and a second motor for moving said second truckalong said second elongated track; a second motor assembly for movingsaid second beam along said set of tracks in a travelling direction, themotor assembly including a first motor for moving said first truck alongsaid first elongated track, and a second motor for moving said secondtruck along said second elongated track; a first motor control unit forcontrolling said first motor assembly; a second motor control unit forcontrolling said second motor assembly; wherein said first truckassembly includes an apparatus enabling said first beam to move inmultiple directions with respect to said set of first and secondelongated tracks; wherein said second truck assembly includes anapparatus enabling said second beam to move in multiple directions withrespect to said set of first and second elongated tracks; a systemcontrol unit communicatively coupled with said first motor control unitand said second motor control unit, the system control unit beingoperable for communication with said first motor control unit and saidsecond motor control unit motor, the system control unit further beingoperable for controlling sequenced motion of said first beam.
 20. Theretractable roof of claim 19, wherein at least one of said first andsecond elongated tracks changes in elevation.
 21. The retractable roofof claim 19, wherein each of said first and second elongated tracks iscurved as seen from a top view.
 22. The retractable roof of claim 19,wherein said first beam includes a non-horizontal section forencouraging drainage.
 23. The retractable roof of claim 19, wherein saidfirst elongated track and said second elongated track are substantiallystraight and disposed in substantially parallel relation to one another.24. The retractable roof of claim 19, wherein said retractable rooffurther comprises a lifting apparatus including a vertically extendingmember supporting a cable attached to said flexible cover, thevertically extending member extending above an elevation of said set offirst and second elongated tracks.
 25. The retractable roof of claim 19,wherein said retractable roof further comprises a fluid distributionpipe supported at a position above said flexible cover, said fluiddistribution pipe including holes, wherein said retractable roof isoperable so that a spray fluid or deicing fluid is provided to saidcover through said holes.
 26. A retractable roof comprising: a set offirst and second elongated tracks, the second elongated track disposedadjacent to said first elongated track, said second elongated trackbeing spaced apart from said first elongated track; a set of adjacentlydisposed beams including a first beam, said retractable roof beingadapted so that each beam of said set of beams extends generallytransversely between said first elongated track and said secondelongated track, the set of beams supporting a flexible cover forcovering an area below said flexible cover; a set of trucks forsupporting said first beam of said set of beams on said first and secondelongated tracks, the set of trucks including a first truck supporting afirst end of said first beam on said first elongated track and a secondtruck supporting a second end of said first beam on said secondelongated track; a motor assembly for moving said set of truckssupporting said first beam along said set of first and second elongatedtracks; a lifting apparatus for lifting said flexible cover while saidset of trucks is moved along said set of first and second elongatedtracks.
 27. The retractable roof of claim 27, wherein said liftingapparatus includes a vertically extending member supporting a cableattached to said flexible cover, the vertical extending member extendingabove an elevation of said set of first and second elongated tracks. 28.The retractable roof of claim 27, wherein said lifting apparatusincludes a vertically extending member supporting a cable attached tosaid flexible cover, the vertical extending member extending above anelevation of said set of adjacently disposed beams.
 29. The retractableroof of claim 27, wherein said set of adjacently disposed beams includesa first beam and a second beam, wherein the retractable roof is operableso that said motor assembly can move said first beam relative to saidsecond beam, the lifting apparatus including a vertically extendingmember supported on said second beam and a weighted pulley assemblysupported by said vertically extending member, said lifting apparatushaving a first cable connected between said weighted pulley assembly andsaid flexible cover and a second cable connected between said weightedpulley assembly and said first beam so that movement of said first beamrelative to said second beam mediates motion of said weighted pulleyassembly and said flexible cover.
 30. The retractable roof of claim 27,wherein said lifting apparatus includes a vertical member extending fromsaid first beam from a location of said first beam intermediate of endsof said first beam, wherein said retractable roof comprises a cablesupported by said vertical member and connected to said flexible cover.31. The retractable roof of claim 27, wherein said lifting apparatusincludes a vertical member extending from said first beam, wherein saidretractable roof comprises a cable connected to said flexible cover,said retractable roof system having a weight supported by said verticalmember and coupled to said cable for lifting of said flexible cover. 32.The retractable roof of claim 27, wherein said retractable roof furthercomprises a motor control system for controlling a movement of saidfirst and second trucks along said set of elongated tracks, the motorcontrol system adapted to energize said first motor and said secondmotor so that said first beam supported by said set of trucks is movedalong said set of elongated tracks in a travelling direction, whereinsaid motor control system is operable to determine whether an errorcondition indicative of one of said beam ends leading the other withreference to said travelling direction by an undesired extent issatisfied, and wherein said motor control system is further operable toadjust an energization level of said motor control assembly if saiderror condition is satisfied.
 33. The retractable roof of claim 27,further comprising a system control unit communicatively coupled withsaid first motor control unit and said second motor control unit, thesystem control unit being operable for communication with said firstmotor control unit and said second motor control unit motor, the systemcontrol unit further being operable for controlling sequenced motion ofsaid first beam.
 34. The retractable roof of claim 27, wherein saidretractable roof further comprises a lifting apparatus including avertical member extending from said first beam, wherein said retractableroof comprises a cable connected to said flexible cover, saidretractable roof system having a motor supported by said vertical memberand coupled to said cable for lifting of said flexible cover.
 35. Aretractable roof comprising: a set of first and second elongated tracks,the second elongated track disposed adjacent to said first elongatedtrack, said second elongated track being spaced apart from said firstelongated track; a set of adjacently disposed beams including a firstbeam, said retractable roof being adapted so that each beam of said setof beams extends generally transversely between said first elongatedtrack to said second elongated track, the set of beams supporting acover for covering an area below said cover; a set of trucks forsupporting said first beam of said set of adjacently disposed beams onsaid first and second elongated tracks, the set of trucks including afirst truck supporting a first end of said first beam on said firstelongated track and a second truck supporting a second end of said firstbeam on said second elongated track; a fluid distribution pipe supportedat a position above said flexible cover, said fluid distribution pipeincluding holes; wherein said retractable roof is operable so that aspray fluid or deicing fluid is provided to said cover through saidholes.
 36. The retractable roof of claim 35, further comprising aflexible pipe attached to said fluid distribution pipe.
 37. Theretractable roof of claim 35, further comprising a reservoir for holdingsaid deicing fluid.
 38. The retractable roof of claim 35, furthercomprising a reservoir for holding said deicing fluid and a flexiblepipe providing fluid communication between said reservoir and said fluiddistribution pipe.
 39. The retractable roof of claim 35, wherein saidretractable roof further comprises a motor control unit for controllinga movement of said first and second trucks along said set of elongatedtracks, the motor control system adapted to energize said first motorand said second motor so that said first beam supported by said set oftrucks is moved along said set of elongated tracks in a travellingdirection, wherein said motor control unit is operable to determinewhether an error condition indicative of one of said beam ends leadingthe other with reference to said travelling direction by an undesiredextent is satisfied, and wherein said motor control system is furtheroperable to adjust an energization level of said motor control assemblyif said error condition is satisfied.
 40. The retractable roof of claim35, further comprising a reservoir for holding said deicing fluid and aflexible pipe providing fluid communication between said reservoir andsaid fluid distribution pipe.
 41. The retractable roof of claim 35,further comprising a reservoir for holding said deicing fluid, and awater and deicer fluid separating processor to which fluid incident onsaid cover is channeled, the retractable roof being operable so thatsaid deicer fluid after being separated from said water is sent fromsaid water and deicer processor to said reservoir.
 42. The retractableroof of claim 35, wherein said cover is flexible.
 43. The retractableroof of claim 35, wherein said fluid distribution pipe is supported bysaid first beam.